Niagara International Moot Court Competition Takes D.C. By Storm

Dear Readers,

Sorry for our recent pause from posting.  But the Niagara International Moot Court competition, being held in Washington, D.C., has stolen the attention of the blog's staff this week.   The competition is sponsored by the Canada United States Law Institute, one of the projects of this rich partnership between Case Western Reserve University and the University of Western Ontario.

Law schools from across the United States and Canada have descended upon the American capital to debate a problem focusing on two critical issues:  (1) when and how nations can invoke self-defense to defend themselves from unconventional threats, and (2) what role does the Responsibility to Protect doctrine play in international law.  This question is particularly relevant as the international community confronts what a UN panel has considered Syrian crimes against humanity against their own citizens.

Tonight we’ll know the team winner, team awards for written memorials, and individual speaking awards.  But, whatever the results, this competition is an incredible learning opportunity for students, and also showcases the important relationship between the United States and Canada.  Special thanks to competition chair (noted arbitration attorney, founder of InvestmentClaims.com, and Columbia Law lecturer) Ian A. Laird, CUSLI board and members who have put on this incredible show, the incredible judges who have spent their Friday and Saturday listening to arguments, and Cox International Law Center director professor Michael Scharf who crafted such a relevant and nuanced problem.

A quick shout-out to the sponsors:  DLA Piper, Fasken Martineau, Baker Hostetler, King & Spalding, Crowell Moring, and the Government of Canada.   

And finally, just look at this esteemed panel of judges for the final rounds:  Former ICTY judge Patricia M. Wald, current Ombudsperson for Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee Kimberly Prost, and former Co-Prosecutor of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia Robert Petit.  Learn more about the competition here.